28

2012

Women in Engineering: A Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Engineering is still largely perceived as a male-dominated field, but women have pioneered groundbreaking inventions and structures since the early nineteenth century. To conclude our Women in Science series in honor of Women’s History Month, test your knowledge of famous women engineers here.

1. She was the first American woman to become a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, but she was also the granddaughter of which famous suffragist? [BW photo, left]

2. Kate Gleason (1865-1933) was the first to join the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and is strongly associated with which technological innovation?

3. While women were not admitted to Tau Beta Pi (the engineering honor society) until 1969, who was the first woman to receive its “Women’s Badge” in 1924?

4. Elizabeth Bragg Cumming (1859-1929) was the first woman to earn a degree in civil engineering from which university?

5. The first woman to be elected to the National Academy of Engineers, Lillian Gilbreth worked as an industrial engineer for General Electric. Name one of her famous kitchen inventions.

6. Grace Hopper (1902-1992) developed which common language for computers?

7. John August Roebling (1806-1869) and Washington Augustus Roebling (1806-1869) are credited with building the Brooklyn Bridge, but this woman is widely credited as its chief engineer. [photo, right]